The Story of the Weeping Camel (2003)
MATURE THEMES
Springtime in the Gobi Desert, south Mongolia. A family of nomads assists with the births in their camel herd. One of the camels has a difficult delivery, and when her rare, white calf is born, she rejects it, refusing it the milk it needs to survive. In accordance with an ancient ritual, the shepherds summon a musician from a far-off village to perform a magical ceremony - the calf's last hope.
The Story of the Weeping Camel is a work that combines hard-hitting truth with uplifting drama. The film's sweeping vistas and magical photography capture the very essence of this part of the world, while its emotionally charged story of separation and reconciliation reminds us that the heart, whether human or animal, knows no borders.
| Status: | Normal |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 87mins |
| Origin: | GERMANY |
| Aspect Ratio: |
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Member Reviews (51)
51 Member
Reviews
suzanne
says
very good i liked it very moving
Shirley
says
A lovely story showing the strength of an extended Mongolian family living in the harsh environment of the Gobi Desert.
stimpy
says
Couldn't stand it... it made my legs go "jumpy"
Danuta
says
Stunningly moving & poignant film in all aspects. Big thumbs up to all involved in making this film, including the camels. A simple story about simple nomadic folk who live in the harsh Mongolian steppes. These people are happy with their lot and are in touch with their animals, the land and with the life they lead. In my opinion this film should be compulsory viewing for spoilt teenagers and generally for people who waste their lives achieving nothing in lands of plenty!
Barry S.
says
a must watch film...just enjoy the film for what it is...an extraordinary event..loved it
Alex H.
says
There is much beauty in simplicity. The interaction between the mongolian herders and their animals shows what the so called civilized people once had before gred set in. To see this film is a hartwarming experience.
Brian P.
says
Snoozefest. Guaranteed cure for insomnia.
Dafna O.
says
A gentle, touching story of a mother's love. This movie is thought provoking in the way it juxtaposes the human mother's love to her child with the baby camel's rejection by its mother. Many sub-themes run through this film which shows real-life of Mongolian herdsmen in our modern era.
Ian H.
says
A great movie, with non-actors and a very interesting storyline. The scenery, and the Mongolian people, truly make this film.
Sandra B.
says
Not a movie for everyone but if you like to travel and are interested in different places and cultures then it is certainly worth a look.
Kathleen S.
says
fascinating view of a life and culture and landscape. Wonder if the TV will take away some of the uniqueness?
Anna V.
says
l enjoyed this documentary. it was great to see how another culture lives
Susan P.
says
Enjoyable story revealing a part of the life of the tribes people of Mongolia. Well filmed and interesting natural history storyline.
Steven D.
says
A slow story but beautifuly simple...
gus
says
A most wonderful film about life which is so different to our norm. It brings you into the everyday life of a nomadic tribe who depend upon camels as part of their livelihood where every birth and survival are left to nature, well almost as you will uncover when watching this wonderful movie. As with most good Mongolian movies you experience the hardships and triumphs of living in a very isolated environment as it very much still exists today. A most rewarding experience.
Jean B.
says
a beautifully simple story and great scenery
Margaret R.
says
Margot R.
says
This was a sweet, gentle film with gorgeous landscapes. I particularly admired those beautiful children & the loving attention they got from all the adults. Liked the camels too.
Helene C.
says
A heart warming story.
Pauline P.
says
A lovely real life story about life on the plains of Mongolia!
Jan K.
says
Great scenery, but a bit slow.
Estelle M.
says
This is an extra ordinary documentary that captures the heart and mind of the viewer.
The story is filmed over a very short period of time when the Mongolian family await the arrival and birth of the baby camels in their herd. The film captures the elements of their daily life and how they cope. They appear to not even be aware that they are being filmed. It is an insight to an ancient culture and way of living simply on the earth. Very beautiful and surprising.
Jason M.
says
Michael C.
says
Gordon M.
says
Interesting people, interesting events, interesting scenery, a good look at a different culture
Shannon M.
says
A beautiful and sweet film with great cinematography. It is a little slow, especially if your not used to these types of films but is most definately not boreing. A truely wonderful film.
Clive M.
says
A marvellous picture of nomadic life that reminds us how fast moving our world has become. The sensitive reatment of the amateur cast brings out the realism of the film and transports us into the world of yurts and desert..
A-J P.
says
A-J P.
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Gayle
says
What a magic film! I was enthralled from beginning to end. The drama of the
camel and her colt was so touching. And the Mongolian family were a joy to watch
with the simplicity of their lifestyle and the way they looked after their animals
and each other.They had something that has been lost in our more material
world.
Jo-Anne C.
says
Unique. Best watched when you'll have time to reflect on its impact. This is real - and inspiring in the old-fashioned sense. Conveys some of the mood of "March of the Penguins". Less commentary, but quiet inter- action between animals and humans. Wonderful! Tragedy averted! And real tears.
Sabine S.
says
Chris B.
says
This film is most striking through its simplicity. Simplicity runs as a red ribbon through it, from the natural background through the life of the animals of the nomads all the way to the lives of the nomads themselves.
Adam
says
Although slow in places, the characters are real and engaging. Stay till the end, the scene where the camel weeps is amazing...
Maureen E.
says
Bev M.
says
Chrissi H.
says
Michael G.
says
This is an excellent film. On so many levels it is outstanding. For a film like this where not a lot seems to happen you realise you can't take your eyes off it.
Edna-May F.
says
Music therapy does work!
To see how other people live and cope with their living conditions, made me more grateful of what I have and don't have.
Roderick W.
says
Cristy W.
says
A Real "how the other half live" expose. Interesting to watch but only once.
Catriona C.
says
A lovely sweet story - not just the one about the camel and its mother and getting the mother to accept him but also of the family.
It seemed like 4 generations lived together and then watching the two boys go to town and the littlest seeing TV for the first time and going shopping and then taking that experience back with him and playing shopping at the market.
A tender story
Alicia S.
says
A really unique genre - a narrative documentary. beautiful. very slow moving in many ways, but even if you have to watch some bits in fast motion, it's worth it to watch it to the end.
Audrey C.
says
Michele B.
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Ruth B.
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Kerry G.
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Barry
says
It is one of most unusual film that I have seen for ages. It depicts normal life as it is most possible be like in the Gobi desert. Full of family interaction between three generations that live in one another's pockets. Oh! The camels did there part to perfection too. The pathos that is generated from such a simple plot is incredible. Full marks.
Brian G.
says
A highly absorbing doco about what is ostensibly a trivial topic, but an intriguing slice of life in a harsh, unforgiving part of our world.
A wonderful look into strong social and family attitudes in extreme poverty, and reliance on very limited resources (camels).
But where did the family find the money for a satellite dish and TV set?
Amina
says
A beautiful moving documentary about real mongolian nomads and their love and respect to each other, to their mother nature and their herds. I was amazed by the camel when it learns to accept and love her once rejected colt.
filmasart
says
Wow. A wonderful poetic view of a vanishing culture. Demonstrating that if we give nature (and people) time, responsibility and be gentle problems disappear. A very special film experience for the whole family.